Where can I get help with the application and admissions process?

If, after reading the information on our website, you still have questions, please contact:

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Can the program be taken through distance education?
Currently graduate programs are not available through distance education. Information on distance education programs offered through the Faculty of Education can be found at: http://eplt.educ.ubc.ca/distance/.
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Can the program be taken by part time studies?
All Masters programs are available on a part time basis with the exception of the School Psychology Program.

Doctoral students in the Educational Psychology and Special Education Programs are expected to complete residency of 12 consecutive months of full-time study and this period of study will normally begin at the start of their doctoral program. However, with the recommendation of the area admissions committee and the approval of the Deputy Head, this residency requirement could be postponed for the first term.
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How do I apply?
Applications are completed online.
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What is the deadline for applications?
Applications are due December 1, 2009 and late applications will not be accepted. Student applications for all programs are considered once per year.
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Are there special requirements if I am an international applicant?
Yes. You need to demonstrate proficiency in English if you are from a country where English is not the primary language of instruction. For a list of tests and minimum scores required, click here. For a list of documents you will require, click here.

Will you let me know if my application is incomplete?
Unfortunately we receive too many applications to follow up with each one. It is your responsibility to insure your application is complete and submitted on time. Applicants can check the status of their applications online after the admission deadline.
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Where do I send my supporting documentation?
Your application should be submitted online, references submitted electonically, and other supporting documentation should be sent directly to the Department Graduate Program Assistant in the area to which you are applying at the following address:

Graduate Program Assistant
Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, & Special Education
The University of British Columbia
Faculty of Education
2125 Main Mall
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z4
Canada
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Can I send photocopies of transcripts?
No. The Faculty of Graduate Studies will only accept transcripts and degree certificates that have either been sent directly from the originating university to UBC, or, if sent by the applicant, they must be received at UBC in envelopes that have been sealed and endorsed by the originating university.
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How is my application assessed?
Program area faculty committees review applications based on scholastic performance (transcripts), reference letters, statement of purpose, and supervisor's workload. Completed applications of candidates whom the department/units choose to recommend for admission will be forwarded to the Faculty of Graduate Studies (FOGS) for approval. FOGS will issue the formal offer of admission acceptance to applicants whose admission has been approved. As the number of applicants often exceeds the number of positions available, a record that satisfies basic entrance requirements does not guarantee admission.
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Do individual programs have specific pre-requisites?
Yes. You should check the specific program area page on the Department website for full details.
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The Counselling Psychology programs require experience in a helping profession. What does this mean?
3 years work experience or volunteer experience working with people in a facilitating or helping context.
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What are the residency requirements for the Counselling Psycholgy Program?
In order for students to meet deadlines for comprehensive examinations and candidacy, the department requires students to be engaged in full time study for a minimum of two calendar years. This means engaging inpaid work not connected to your graduate program for less than 12 hours per week.
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Is the GRE required as part of my application?
PHD – Programs Requiring GRE
Counselling Psychology
Measurement, Evaluation and Research Methodology
School Psychology
Special Education( However, if a student completed his or her masters degree in ECPS, the GRE is not required for doctoral studies in SPED.)
MA – Programs Requiring GRE
Counselling Psychology
School Psychology
MED –Programs Requiring GRE
School Psychology is the only the MED program requires the GRE.
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How long will it take to complete my degree?
It is usually expected that a Master’s degree will be completed within 2 - 3 years, and maximum of 5 years. A PhD degree will usually be completed within 4 - 5 years, and a maximum of 6 years.
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What is the difference between the MA and the MEd programs?
In most program areas the course work is the same for the MA and MEd. MA programs require the completion of a thesis. Click here for a complete description of the distinction between the two degrees.
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Can I apply to a doctoral program if I have not completed an MA thesis?
Generally an MA with a thesis is required to apply to a doctoral program. Applicants must show evidence of having conducted a research project of the caliber of a thesis in lieu of having done a thesis.
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Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes. The maximum number of credits that can be transferred is 12, providing the credits were not counted toward the completion of another credential, and that at least a B standing was obtained. The time limit for eligibility of courses for transfer to a graduate degree program is five years at the time the student commences their program. The student must request the transfer through their Advisor.
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Do I need to choose a research topic before I begin?
Having a specific research topic is helpful but not required. Applicants should have an area of research interest in mind when applying. 
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How do I find out which faculty members have interests similar to mine?
Visit the faculty page for information about Department faculty as well as the research page to find out more about the scholarly interests in the Department.
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What is the level of financial support I can expect to receive from UBC or the Faculty?
UBC has a number of merit-based scholarships and awards. Check with UBC Student Services, Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Faculty of Education Office for Graduate Programs and Research. In addition, RA and TA positions may be available through the Department and when available are posted on the Department website.
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What does the term “unclassified” student mean?
An unclassified student is one who holds a recognized degree and who wishes to register for courses not intended to lead to a particular degree or diploma.  Admission as an unclassified student does not imply future admission to any program. Credit earned as an unclassified student may not necessarily be applicable towards a degree.
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What is meant by the teacher certification?
A student must have completed a recognized teacher education program.
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